Magnetically balanced finger-type peristaltic pump

ABSTRACT

A peristaltic pump which includes: (a) a plurality of effecters, actuated in a periodic manner upon by obstructive forces of a flexible infusion tube so that flow of infusion fluid is provided along the infusion tube, the magnitude of the obstructive forces are dependent upon the displacement of the moving effecters, and (b) a plurality of balancing magnets providing balancing forces upon one or all of the moving effecters, the balancing forces at each point along the path of motion of the moving effecters being of approximately equal magnitude to that of the obstructive forces at the point, such that the parasitic output due to work performed against the obstructive forces is approximately zero and yield is maximized.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/016,105, filed Sep. 1, 2013 by the inventors of the presentapplication and entitled “MAGNETICALLY BALANCED FINGER-TYPE PERISTALTICPUMP”;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/016,105 is a continuationapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/463,399, filed May10, 2009 by the inventors of the present application and entitled“MAGNETICALLY BALANCED FINGER-TYPE PERISTALTIC PUMP” and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 8,535,025 on Sep. 17, 2013;U.S. application Ser. No. 12/463,399 is, in turn, a continuation-in-partof PCT International Application PCT/IL2007/001400 filed on Nov. 13,2007 by the inventors of the present application;U.S. application Ser. No. 12/463,399 is also a continuation-in-part ofPCT International Application PCT/IL2007/001402, filed on Nov. 13, 2007by the inventors of the present application;International Application PCT/IL2007/001400 claims, in turn, priorityfrom Israel Patent Application No. 179229, filed on Nov. 13, 2006; andInternational Application PCT/IL2007/001402 claims, in turn, priorityfrom Israel Patent Application No. 179232, filed on Nov. 13, 2006;all of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a magnetically balancedfinger-type peristaltic pump, especially a pump comprising at least onetailor made cam.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to designs for cams to operate magneticallybalanced fingers of a peristaltic pump. At present peristaltic pumpsfind use in medical settings to add nutrients to blood, to force bloodthrough filters to clean it as in dialysis, or to move blood through thebody and lungs during open heart surgery. They are advantageous in thesesituations since the pump elements do not contact the pumped fluid,eliminating any possibility of contamination. Additionally the pumpingaction may be gentle enough that blood cells are not damaged. Furtheruses include pumping aggressive chemicals, high solids slurries andother materials where isolation of the product from the environment, andthe environment from the product, are critical. As the operation of sucha pump can be critical for life support, they are generally providedwith battery backup. The efficiency of the device thus becomes animportant parameter since the length of time it can remain in operationwhile on battery power is limited by its efficiency.

A common arrangement for the operation of a peristaltic pump is shown inthe prior art of FIG. 1 (100 is a front view and 101 is a lateral view),wherein a plurality of fingers 104 press the feed tube 103 against asubstrate 105 by means of a cam 102. Neighboring fingers are operated insequence such that a squeezing or ‘peristaltic’ motion operates alongthe length of the tube, forcing the contents of the tube in onedirection. By adjusting the speed of rotation of the cams, the speed ofpumping can be adjusted.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,205 a mechanically compensated cam for use in aperistaltic pump is disclosed. The system described uses speciallydesigned cams that reduce the maximum force applied between fingers 104and tube 103 by means of a compliant spring. In this manner problems ofjamming due to poor alignment or out-of-tolerance tubes are eliminated.This system while effective and simple involves a certain amount ofwasted energy as will be described below. Furthermore, being based on aneccentric circle, the fingers follow a trajectory sinusoidal in nature,which limits the volume pumped per camshaft revolution. Varying thetrajectory from that of a sinusoid would offer the benefit of fixing theduration during which the tube is shut off, allowing for an increase inthe volume pumped per revolution.

Thus a design and method for the cam of a peristaltic pump allowing atailored finger trajectory that reduces the probability of jamming inout-of-tolerance tubes, as well as allowing increased volume perrotation and subsequent enhanced energy savings is a long felt need.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may beimplemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments will now bedescribed, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1 shows in prior art a typical peristaltic pump making use offingers 104 pressing against a uniform substrate 105;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrating the fingers location at each of thefour steps of the pumping cycle of a pumping mechanism comprising offour fingers;

FIG. 3 schematically presents the state of each finger at each of thefour steps of a single pumping cycle wherein at each step, two fingersare static and two are moving;

FIG. 4 schematically presents a cross section of the pumping mechanismaccording to one embodiment of the invention, wherein one portion of thecams is characterized by one crescent form;

FIG. 5 schematically presents a cross section of the pumping mechanismaccording to one embodiment of the invention, wherein one portion of thecams is characterized by two crescent forms; and

FIG. 6 graphically presents the forces on a single finger applied alonga single half pumping cycle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments a finger-type peristaltic pump (DDS) comprising aplurality of pressing-fingers, actuated in a periodic manner upon byobstructive forces of a flexible infusion tube so as peristaltic flow ofinfusion fluid is provided along said infusion tube, the magnitude ofsaid obstructive forces being dependent upon the displacement of saidmoving finger; and a plurality of balancing magnets providing balancingforces upon said moving fingers, said balancing forces at each pointalong the path of motion of the moving member being of approximatelyequal magnitude to that of said obstructive forces at the point; suchthat the parasitic output due to work performed against said obstructiveforces is approximately zero and yield is maximized.

A magnetically balanced finger-type peristaltic pump as defined abovemay be especially adapted to be utilized as ambulatory and hospitalinfusion pumps.

In some embodiments, a magnetically balanced finger-type peristalticpump is defined as above wherein at least a portion of said plurality ofpressing-fingers is magnetically balanced and wherein each of saidmagnetically balanced pressing-fingers comprises one or more magnetsstacked in the direction of said pressing by means of one or more metalmembers, said metal member is optionally selected from ferromagneticmaterials, fixed magnets, static magnets that are nor actuated inrespect to the pressing-fingers or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the magnets are not located on the pressingfingers. Hence, at least a portion of the magnets are located in sidesof the fingers, whereas iron or other magnetic materials are located onthe fingers.

In some embodiments, a magnetically balanced finger-type peristalticpump is defined as above, wherein each of said magnetically balancedpressing-fingers of linear movement is actuated periodically by arotating cam towards a flexible infusion tube i.e., until a complete yettemporary shut off of said tube is obtained, and backwards, i.e., untilsaid fingers are not pressing said tube; wherein said magnetic balanceavoids significant pressing forces between said cam and said fingers.

In some embodiments, the pressing fingers maneuver along a non-linearmovement, e.g., a curved movement etc.

In some embodiments, a magnetically balanced finger-type peristalticpump is defined as above wherein said magnetic balance avoidssignificant pressing forces between said cam and said fingers alongtheir entire forth and backwards linear movement. It is acknowledged inthis respect that the force between the finger and the cam is negligibledue to the balancing magnet force yielding almost no friction on the camsurface. As a result, no torque evolves on the cam and almost no energyis needed to rotate the pumping mechanism.

In some embodiments, a magnetically balanced finger-type peristalticpump is defined as above wherein said fingers remain at maximumextension for a large angular sweep AO of the shaft, such as87.5.degree., causing complete tube shutoff during said large andpredetermined range.

In some embodiments, a magnetically balanced finger-type peristalticpump is defined as above, comprising inter alia a plurality of Npressing fingers, N is any integer number higher 2, especially 4,wherein per any given pumping cycle, each of said fingers are in one oftwo alternating states of being either static or moving (or approachingto movement); in said static state said at least one finger is pressingsaid flexible infusion tube and at least one finger is withdrawn and notpressing said tube; in said moving state at least one finger iswithdrawing from said tube and at least one finger is pressing the same.

In some embodiments, a magnetically balanced finger-type peristalticpump is defined as above, wherein the static and moving states of saidfingers per any given pumping cycle are as defined in FIG. 3.

In some embodiments a magnetically balanced finger-type peristaltic pumpis defined as above, wherein at least a portion of said cams arecharacterized by one or more crescent forms, each of which of saidcrescent forms is adapted to provide pressing of said finger by magneticforces of said balancing magnets in the manner that said magnetic forcesare at least slightly stronger than the oppositely directed elasticforces, provided by the squeezing of said flexible tube by said fingerwhile shutting off said tube; by applying said magnetic force, completetube's shut off is assured, especially in cases of worn out tubes andpumping mechanisms with noticeable tolerances.

In some embodiments, a magnetically balanced finger-type peristalticpump is defined as above wherein at least a portion of said cams arecharacterized by a first and a second crescent forms located in oppositedirections: The first crescent form is adapted to provide pressing ofsaid finger by magnetic forces of said balancing magnets in the mannerthat said magnetic forces are at least slightly stronger than theoppositely directed elastic forces, provided by the squeezing of saidflexible tube by said finger while shutting off said tube; by applyingsaid magnetic force, complete tube's shut off is assured. The secondcrescent form is adapted to provide additional finger movement in thedirection of withdrawing said tube, so as complete tube's after-pressinflation is assured, especially in cases of worn out tubes, widertubes, tubes of wider walls, and pumping mechanisms with noticeabletolerances.

In some embodiments, a magnetically balanced finger-type peristalticpump is defined as above wherein the pressing-finger are of roundedcross sections, additionally comprising sealing means that hermeticallybarriers between proximal portion of the fingers, i.e., the portionconstantly located inside said pump's housing, and distal portion ofsaid fingers, i.e., the pressing tip located outside said housing; saidsealing means is especially selected from O-rings, U-rings or the like.

The magnetically balanced finger-type peristaltic pump as defined aboveis especially useful for reduce pumping energy and provide extendedworking time per given set of batteries. The system reduces mechanicalwear of moving members, especially of cams and fingers. Less tubedegradation is provided in the system. Scaling down is facilitated byreducing sizes of both engine and gear mechanism. Tube wear out isreduced, while improved accuracy is provided due to decreasedegradation. The aforesaid pumping system also provides use of pumpingmechanisms of bigger tolerances in production and assembly. The systemprovides for improved mechanical efficiency and allows use of sealedpressing-fingers so as sealed pump is obtained, and less sensitivity isobtained to dirt and contaminated body fluids. Lastly, the patentedpumping system provides for downstream pressure built up without anyrequirements of applying high pumping moments.

In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump is defined as above, whereinat least a portion of said balancing magnets is located in a locationselected from a group consisting of the elongated body portion of thefinger-type pressing members (fingers), the fingers block or anycombination thereof.

In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump is defined as above, whereinat least a portion of said balancing magnets comprises metal and otherparamagnetic materials which location is one or more of a groupconsisting of in one or more portions of the finger-type pressingmembers (fingers), on one or more portions of the fingers, in thefingers block, on the fingers block or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of said magnetically balancedpressing-fingers are actuated in at least partially non-linear movement.

In some embodiments, the magnetic force is applied in one or morespecific points along the circumference of the rotating cam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided so as to enable any person skilledin the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modescontemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Variousmodifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in theart, and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

The terms ‘about’ or ‘approximately’ apply hereinafter to any value in arange from below 30% of a specified value to above 30% of said value.

The terms ‘parasitic input’ and ‘parasitic output’ apply hereinafter inthe manner that parasitic input refers to the energy consumed by thesystem to produce parasitic output. The parasitic input is greater thanthe parasitic output because of internal losses. For example, anelevator with a cabin of weight 10,000 N being used to raise a man ofweight 700 N through 10 m produces 107 kJ of output of which only 7 kJare necessary output the remaining 100 kJ are parasitic output due toraising the cabin itself.

The term ‘effecters’ refers hereinafter to any portion of a device whoseposition changes during the working of the device, such as pressingfingers, peristaltic rollers etc.

The term ‘necessary output’ applies hereinafter to the energy needed tobe produced by a system in order to perform the task for which thesystem is designed. For example in order perform the task of raising aman of weight 700 N through 10 m the necessary output of a system suchas an elevator is 7 kJ of energy.

The term ‘obstructive forces’ refers hereinafter to any force which actsupon a moving member during its movement. More specifically this term isused to refer to forces dependent upon the displacement of a movingmember.

The term ‘output’ applies hereinafter to energy produced by a system.

The term ‘actuated in a periodic manner’ applies hereinafter to anysystem wherein at least one component or effecter performs a series ofsteps repeatedly a plurality of times.

It is in the scope of the present invention to introduce the tailoredcam, whose radius is not a circle rotating about an eccentric axis, butrather varies in such a manner that the fingers remain closed for alarge sweep of the shaft, such as 87.5.degree. out of the full360.degree. of rotation. The unique profile of the tailored cam allowscomplete tube shutoff during this large and predetermined range,preventing backflow through this entire range and allowing subsequentfingers a longer range of shaft angle .theta. in which to effect theirperistaltic motion. This has an effect of decreasing the noise of theperistaltic pump, decreasing the energy consumption and effectivelyobtaining the conditions defined in the figures, e.g., FIG. 6.

It is furthermore within the scope of the present invention that areduced-radius ‘compliance zone’ be included in the design of the cam,to accommodate tubes of increased diameter that would not otherwise beallowed to open completely. An out-of-compliance tube with increaseddiameter would remain partially closed even during the fingers' ‘open’range but for the inclusion of the reduced radius ‘compliance zone’.This partial closure would impede the free flow of fluid through thetube, reducing the throughput of the pump in such cases.

It is furthermore within the scope of the present invention andaccording to one specific embodiment of the same, wherein theaforementioned advantages are provided while still minimizing the first,second, and third derivatives of radius with shaft angle .theta. Thefirst derivative directly controls the finger velocity, and thusinfluences the kinetic energy invested therein. The second derivativeaffects the force upon the tube, which it is desirable to reduce insofaras possible in order to eliminate jamming, tube rupture, or disturbanceof the fragile materials such as human cells passing through the tube.The third derivate controls the ‘jerk’ of the finger, which it isdesirable to minimize since the jerk causes undue stress and strains onthe cam, introduces vorticities into the flow, and causes vibration andnoise.

It is in the scope of the invention wherein the cam comprises single,double or more crescent forms. Hence for example, a crescent formlocated at the wide radius of the cam avoids a long pressing periodwhere a continuous strong pressure is applied upon the tube. Themagnetic forces are pressing the tube. Along this crescent form, the camis minimally touching the pressing fingers and hence the force forrotating the cam is provided with a minimal measure. Similarly and asanother example of one mode of the invention, a crescent form located atthe short radius of the cam provides the cam with another possiblemovement, which is especially useful (i) in tubes with degradated walls;(ii) in pressing mechanism with noticeable production or assemblytolerances; (iii) in using tubes with relatively thin walls (iv) or incases of insufficient pressing forces. Those cases are characterized byunsealed tubes, whereat leaking is possible.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which illustrates the fingers locationat each of the four steps of the pumping cycle of a pumping mechanismcomprising of four fingers. FIG. 3 schematically presents the state ofeach finger at each of the four steps of a single pumping cycle whereinat each step, two fingers are static and two are moving. It is yetaccording to one embodiment of the invention wherein the rotating camsare designed in a manner that a predefined overlap (e.g., 3%) betweenadjacent stages is obtained. Hence, one finger is switched from openconfiguration (tube loosed) to close configuration (tube compressed)only after a short while where an adjacent finger is switched to itsclose configuration.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 which schematically presents across-section of a pumping mechanism according to one embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 4 specifically illustrating one portion of the cams ischaracterized by one crescent form, adapted to provide pressing of afinger (41), e.g., via a seal (44), by magnetic forces (42) of thebalancing magnets in the manner that the magnetic forces are at leastslightly stronger, than the oppositely directed elastic forces, providedby the squeezing of the flexible tube by the finger while shutting offthe tube (43) against a base (48); by applying the magnetic force,complete tube's shut off is assured, especially in cases of worn outtubes and pumping mechanisms with noticeable tolerances; this pumpingmechanism with magnetically balances pressing fingers 41 is providedwith preset balancing forces at each point along the path of motion ofthe moving fingers being of approximately equal magnitude to that ofsaid obstructive forces at this point; such that the parasitic outputdue to work performed against the obstructive forces is approximatelyzero and yield is maximized. The pumping mechanism further comprises amagnet (45), ferromagnetic metal (46), and a cam (47 a). Here forexample, cam 47 a is characterized by a single crescent form.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which schematically presents across-section of another pumping mechanism according to the presentinvention, comprises inter alia a magnet 45, ferromagnetic metal 46, andfirst crescent form of cam 47 b which is adapted to provide pressing offinger 41 via a seal (44) by magnetic forces 42 of the balancing magnetsin the manner that the magnetic forces are at least slightly stronger,than the oppositely directed elastic forces, provided by the squeezingof flexible tube 43 against a base (48) by the finger while shutting offthe tube; by applying said magnetic force, complete tube's shut off isassured; the second crescent form is adapted to provide additionalfinger movement in the direction of withdrawing the tube, so as tofacilitate a more relaxed form of mechanical pressure on the tube walls,especially in wider tubes, tubes of wider walls, and pumping mechanismswith noticeable tolerances; the said more relaxed form of mechanicalpressure on the tube enable a prolonged life of the tube and as aconsequence a more accurate flow rate throughout the pumping; and,

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which graphically presents the forceson a single finger applied along a single half pumping cycle; whereinpoint No. 1 symbols the upper point at with the finger tip is reachingthrough the pumping cycle. At this point almost no force is applied onthe tube walls tube walls and the magnet was designed to apply equalsmall force on the finger so the total force acting between the cam andthe finger is zero.

Point 2 denotes for the point in which the finger presses the tube to aflow shut off position; in this point, the magnetic force is greaterthan the obstructive force applied by the elastic tube so as shut off ofthe flow is assured at any pressure existing in the tube (up to 1 bar inthis sample). At this point the magnet was designed to apply graterforce then the force applied by the tube on the finger. This armamentfacilitates secured shut off of the tube under variant condition withvery little total force acting on the finger, i.e. force acting betweenthe cam and the finger is very small leading to decries in wear, energyconsumption etc.

Point 3 represents the total force acting on the fingers which isslightly greater due to slightly greater magnetic forces. This designensures complete shut off (squeeze) of the tube in case where tube wallsdegradation is presented or in case where a tube with inadequate wallsthickness is used. From this point the magnet force acting on the fingerdecreases to avoid puncturing of the tube.

Point 4 symbols the free movement of the finger to ensure complete shutoff of the tube, especially in case of degradation of tube's walls,tolerances in pumping mechanism etc. .SIGMA.F is the total force appliedon the finger in the direction of the press, i.e., the magnetic powerminus obstructive forces of the elastic tube; the force applied by thecam on the pressing finger approx. equals the aforesaid force plus theforces required to overcome frictions in the pumping system. Point 4hence describes the point whereat the magnetic forces are stronger thanthe elastic forces of the tube, such that the tube is effectivelysealed.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A peristaltic pump including a housing toreceive a fluid flow channel including a flexible segment, saidperistaltic pump comprising: at least one effecter including a ferritemember, said at least one effecter to intermittently compress theflexible segment within said channel, wherein compression of theflexible segment produces a reactive force; at least one electricallytriggerable actuator to apply a mechanical force on said effecter; and abalancing member to magnetically interact with said ferrite member insaid at least one effecter so that a balancing force proportional to themechanical force on said effecter is produced to substantially countersaid reactive force of the flexible segment.
 2. The peristaltic pumpaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least one effecter is a pressingfinger.
 3. The peristaltic pump according to claim 1, wherein saidferrite member is a magnetic material and said balancing member includesa metallic material.
 4. The peristaltic pump according to claim 1,wherein said ferrite member is a metallic material and said balancingmember includes a magnetic material.
 5. The peristaltic pump accordingto claim 1, wherein said ferrite member is a magnetic material and saidbalancing member includes a magnetic material.
 6. The peristaltic pumpaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least one effecter periodicallymoves relatively to the flexible segment, and said magneticallyinteracting includes producing a balancing force to substantiallycounter said reactive force of the flexible segment while the at leastone effecter moves.
 7. The peristaltic pump according to claim 6,wherein said balancing force substantially counters said reactive forcewhile the at least one effecter moves in forth or backward movement. 8.The peristaltic pump according to claim 1, wherein said balancing memberproduces a permanent magnetic field.
 9. The peristaltic pump accordingto claim 1, wherein said balancing member is attracted to a magneticfield.
 10. A method for pumping fluid through a fluid flow channelhaving a flexible segment comprising: applying a mechanical force tointermittently compress the flexible segment, said mechanical forceproduced by at least one effecter having a ferrite member, whereincompression of the flexible segment produces a reactive force; producinga balancing force by magnetically interacting with the ferrite member,said balancing force proportional to the mechanical force tosubstantially counter said reactive force of the flexible segment. 11.The method according to claim 10, wherein said at least one effecterperiodically moves relatively to the flexible segment, and saidmagnetically interacting includes producing a balancing force tosubstantially counter said reactive force of the flexible segment whilethe at least one effecter moves.
 12. The method according to claim 11,wherein said balancing force substantially counters said reactive forcewhile the at least one effecter moves in forth or backward movement.